NFL Linebacker Faces Recurrent Drunk Driving Charges

Minnesota Vikings linebacker Erin Henderson started off the New Year with the prospect of facing a second Drunk Driving offense in less than two months. On Jan. 1, Henderson was arrested by deputies from the Carver County Sheriff’s office after his car slid off the road into a grass field and rolled across a parking lot before being stopped by trees. According to law enforcement reports, the front end of Henderson’s vehicle suffered extensive damage.

There were no passengers when the accident took place. Henderson was not injured, but deputies suspected that he may have been under the influence of alcohol at the time. They submitted Henderson to a field sobriety test prior to arresting him for drunk driving.

Henderson was also arrested Nov. 19 on suspicion of DUI and possession of a controlled substance as well as drug paraphernalia. At that time, Henderson’s attorney entered a petition to review the automatic suspension of driving privileges that is often triggered by a DUI arrest. Henderson was driving under limited privileges when he was arrested on New Year’s Day.

The Vikings have declined to comment on Henderson’s recent arrest, although it is believed that he will be released by the team after the Super Bowl. Henderson started 12 games for the Vikings this season, garnering two interceptions and four sacks.

One of the charges that Henderson’s defense team may have to pay close attention to is his alleged refusal to undergo a test for blood alcohol content. He was booked into Carver County Jail and released after posting $12,000 bond. The fact that he was scheduled to appear in court on March 3 for his first DUI offense may be a concern as his driving privileges are now compromised by these new Minneapolis area DUI allegations.